The hottest Commerce Substack posts right now

Merchants used to work for kings and leaders, getting luxury goods for them. Over time, trade changed to focus on profit rather than just serving powerful rulers.
As trade expanded, merchants started catering to smaller clients. This shift led to more diverse trading networks and a wider variety of goods available.
Cities grew as places of commerce, not just government. Instead of being mainly for rulers, urban areas became important for trade and economic activity.

The intersection of finance and technology has led to innovative ways of mixing attention, commerce, and finance.
Financial services are evolving beyond just being transactional machines to increase user engagement and improve customer retention.
Developing a persistent digital identity for users and emphasizing interoperability and privacy are crucial in the evolving world of Web3.

The speed of technological change is determined by where we focus our attention. Slowing down to understand the structures in place is key.
AI hype often moves at the pace of fashion, while AI infrastructure evolves slowly. It's important to differentiate between new trends and substantial advancements.
Governance, infrastructure, and culture play crucial roles in shaping AI's future. Participating in shaping these aspects can have a significant impact on the development and use of AI.

Paris is a hub for natural wine with abundant and affordable options.
Isabelle Legeron's RAW Wine event faces challenges in the Paris market.
There is a divide between traditional French natural wine culture and the more commercial approach of RAW Wine.

Apple launched a new Advanced Commerce API to help developers manage in-app purchases more easily. This API supports apps with large content libraries and complex subscription needs.
Highnote raised $90 million in funding to improve its card issuance platform, aiming to streamline payment processes for businesses. The company is expanding its offerings to make payments easier for small and large enterprises.
Perplexity introduced an API called Sonar that integrates generative AI search capabilities into applications. This tool promises to provide accurate answers and is aimed at making AI-driven tools more accessible for developers.

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OtoCo now offers a fiat offramp plug-in for users without banking access
FinCEN's new Beneficial Ownership Information database affects U.S. companies from 2024
Important dates and deadlines for company maintenance and pricing changes

Interdealer brokers connect traders without revealing who they are. This helps big companies make deals quietly, without affecting the market price.
Even in a world dominated by technology, many traders still value personal interaction and market insights from human brokers. These brokers can find the best prices and handle complex trades in ways machines can't.
Howard Lutnick's story is compelling, especially given his background and experiences. His role as a leader in interdealer broking may influence his approach as Commerce Secretary.

In the restaurant industry, the customers are considered the product, not the food.
There is a trend of new restaurants having similar setups and menus, which can make the customer experience less unique.
The analogy of customers as 'workpieces' in workshops questions what happens when all establishments start to look the same.

Reverse Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like a fraud, even if you're successful.
Wealth and entitlement can make mediocre individuals think they belong in elite spaces.
In times of crisis, companies need wartime leaders who can focus on the mission, not just talk.

The world can be viewed as a layered cake with different levels representing nature, culture, governance, and more. Each layer interacts with and influences the others, impacting global dynamics.
Nature plays a significant role in shaping geopolitics and human tendencies, influencing interactions between nations and communities.
Cultures evolve and spread through regions, impacting belief systems, governance structures, societal outcomes, and even legislative decisions.

AI Agents are like digital workers that can do tasks on their own. This means businesses can spend less time on routine work and focus more on innovation.
These agents work seamlessly with existing software and platforms, making them a powerful tool for improving efficiency across various industries. They help businesses handle orders, customer issues, and more without needing human input.
The rise of AI Agents marks a big shift in how businesses operate. Instead of just using software, companies can now expect direct results, making it easier to scale and improve customer experiences.